Any size chair will work, but you want to choose a chair with a straight back.

It truly makes the rest of the steps so much easier.

Clean off the back of the chair with a tack rag and remove any dust and dirt before you start the project.

Using scrap pine, cut each piece to measure 7 inches on the long side 3 inches on the short side and 2 1.2 inches wide.

Cut the ends at 45 degree angles.

Using scrap pine for the end pieces, cut each piece to measure 3 inches by 2 1/2 inches.

Cut each piece 16 inches long, one for the front and one for the back out of scrap wood.

You want to create the sides for your cookbook shelf by nailing the side piece and end piece onto the chair.

Attach end piece first and then angled side piece next.

Cut small block of wood 3 inches long by 1 inch wide as a base to attach the front pieces of the cookbook rack to.

Repeat the same process for the other side. These two side pieces are the foundation of the shelf to nail the top and bottom of the cookbook rack to.

Nail one slat to the front of the end pieces and one piece to the back. This is the front and bottom of the cookbook rack.

Sand any rough edges or joints.

Next, fill in the holes with wood putty.

Lastly, caulk and paint the legs and back of the entire chair, including the cookbook shelf. After the paint dried, I lightly sanded and distressed the entire chair to recreate the look of a vintage piece.

Here's the finished cookbook rack on the chair. It's the perfect place to organize cookbooks and have them at easy reach when inspiration strikes.

And now?

Next time you need a recipe?

You don't have to look any farther than the back of your chair.

If you liked this furniture makeovers, here are two more thrift store before and afters:

DIY Farmhouse Hutch

DIY Farmhouse Table